Sunday, May 16, 2010

Is it worth it?

I appreciate the title of this post may set off alarm bells -- at least in the hearts and minds of my family -- those noble souls who have journeyed with me, albeit vicariously, these many years. My mother in particular, who has endured many an interrupted night's sleep from a phone call from her favourite daughter as she expounds on yet another amazing experience. She's
finally cracked they'll think... Hide the sharp knives and send in the men in white coats.

Well, you can all relax.

The provocative title pertains to my current position on the planet--the 56th floor of the Island Shangri La Hotel in Hong Kong. I've just flown in for a few days of business and couldn't quite resist the opportunity to pamper myself at the same time. I'm sitting in the Horizon Club lounge, sipping champagne, nibbling canapes and admiring the view of Victoria Harbour. In the rooms next door, the two Michelin star restaurant, Petrus, is gearing up for another evenings well heeled (and well moneyed) clientele. Timothy, the duty manager, bows and scraps his way through an apology for the fact that when I checked into my suite, there were notes/documents addressed to a different guest on the marble counter, next to the chocolates and fruit. I sent the notices back, I explained, but I kept the chocolates and fruit! He smiled, made an effort to wink back, then graciously backed away.

At $4500 HKD per night, the client will quite likely balk when presented with the bill and I'll quite likely be reduced to washing the hand blown crystal in the basement.